On October the 2nd, 20111, SNM branches around Canada
participated in the Annual CIBC RUN for the CURE to raise
awareness for breast cancer. Participating saints were
enthusiastic to show their support for survivors and victims
of this disease in this event at their various city run
sites. This run is Canada's largest single day,
volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds
for breast cancer research, and education and awareness
programs. In Canada, 1 in 9 women, are estimated to be
affected by breast cancer and 1 in 29 women will die of the
disease. This year was the 20th annual run for the
foundation and it raised 30 million dollars nationally for
the cause.
This event saw no restrictions in age as the SNM participants
ranged from the ages of 2 to 70+.
This year, the branches that took part in the 5km walk/run
included, Vancouver, Victoria, Mission, Calgary and Toronto.
Each group had their own Team, but were registered under the
umbrella National SNM team, SNM-Universal Brotherhood.
In Vancouver, 50 saints from all ages participated in the
event and collected an amazing $7, 013.00 for this worthy
cause. With smiling faces they completed the run realizing that
they only have to make the effort and thereafter, Nirankar
almighty, Himself carries through the results.
Furthermore, the satellite branch to Vancouver, Mission,
B.C., showed great enthusiasm and vigor, as well, to participate
in this National Event. They showed great unity in participating
in their local city run and still representing the mission’s
values and support of this great cause.
In addition, Calgary displayed amazing devotion in their
efforts to raise money for this cause. Motivated by Baba Ji’s
recent visit they set out to come up with new ideas to raise
funds, including a raffle and a bake sale, which alone helped
raise about $520. Furthermore, a courageous youth received
pledges over $300 by colouring his hair pink for a week to
support this great cause. Overall, the enthusiastic efforts of
25 participating saints in Calgary raised $5, 000.00.
Despite the late start in their registration and fundraising
efforts, 40 saints from Toronto participated in the event on the
cold damp day. Within one week, the Toronto saints raised $2000
for cancer research. In their 10th year of participation, the
Toronto saints felt blessed to once again to have the
opportunity to partake in this event.
There was great excitement and joy this year in the hearts of
saints from Victoria, B.C. as they joined the National SNM Team
to participate in this event for the first time. Over the period
of 10 days, a total of $865 was raised and donated to the
foundation. This was the result of the efforts of 10 devoted SNM
saints.
After the event, participants from all the Canadian branches
returned to various satsang bhawans to watch and listen to the
video vichaar by His Holiness Satguru Baba Hardev Singh Ji
Maharaj and seek his blessings for continued dedication and
devotion to live by teachings and spread message of Universal
Brotherhood.
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